Acceptable Firearms Course Cost

[167]

I am wondering what you guys think is an acceptable cost for a basic firearms course. Below is a hypothetical situation that I think describes a fair amount of these types of courses out there available on the local level.
(Disclaimer: I am not an instructor and have absolutely nothing to gain from this information, I am just curious).


The instructor is a relative unknown in the industry (not someone like Tom Givens, Paul Howe, Larry Vickers, etc.). His bio claims 6-10 years military experience, 20-30 years formal martial arts experience, specialized training in executive protection and some field experience in that area. The only certifications are NRA firearms instructor, NRA range safety officers and CCW instructor for state of residence.

The course discription is just your typical basic defensive handgun course with emphasis on fundamental shooting techniques, no rocket science shooting or tactics or anything of that nature. There will be some reloads, maybe a little malfunction clearance, but mostly just fundamentals (stance, grip, etc.) Round requirement is 200-300 rounds. Course length is 8 hours.

How much would guys pay for that kind of course? $80, $100, $150, $200? Would you go into it blind, or have to know someone who at least has some idea who this guy is or have some other type of recommendation?

 

[TDR911]

My opinion is $80.00 to $100.00 is about right for a 8 hour scession.

I have been to many training classes and the most important thing is almost any instructor will go over the simple fundimentals of safely handleing a firearm. I feel these need to be the most important focal point of a class for beginers. In learning the 4 RULES of GUN SAFETY, reviewing them and repeating them, you will become safe in the way you handle any firearm. Once you have learned this you will cringe at all the unsafe firearm handleing that is done by the majority of the firearm owners.
I am at the range 2 times a week and always watch everyone around me and am completely amazed at how many people improperly handle firearms.
I was also an FFL, and again most of the people buying guns have absoutly no training in gun safety. Scary to say the least as they walked out with their new firearm. I would always try and get them to go to at least a NRA First Step class.

You can go to as many different instructors as your wallet will allow and you will always learn something new. I continually go to different instructors to learn. Everyone has a different presentation. All of them teach safety first. Then you can concentrate on proper shooting technic.
I do plan on getting started as an instructor in the near future.

Jeff Cooper's Rules of Gun Safety -------------- Simple version

RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

 

[DT Guy]

Depends largely on how many other students are in class; with eight other students, ~$100 is about right. If it's only you, much higher.


Simple economics, really; nobody will work for 8 hours for $100 is they're really capable-

Larry

 

[GEM]

I'd say $200 a day for a top notch instructor. $100 for an unknown local. Just off the top of my head.

 

[sidheshooter]

I'd say the others about sum it up. I always look for a recommendation via word of mouth; my old favorite guy (LFI staff/affiliate) spoke highly of the guy who's classes I'm currently churning through.

I'd also say that the facilities play a role here: the typical 8-hour at the place I'm shooting is $150 for a slot in a course held to 8 folks-maybe a little higher than others here are paying-but the range has a tactical bay with programable moving targets, robotic radio controlled rolling target stands and props for practicing different sorts of barricade shooting. It's the place where local LE goes to do their quals, so it's pretty well set up.

Plus, the instructor is also published in the field (good book on low-light shooting, articles in various journals) and travels a lot as a trainer so he's definitely a tier up from " local hero" and worth every cent, IME, even if he's not as famous as Mas Ayoob or John Farnam.

JMO.

 

[earplug]

The NRA has a lock on mandatory CCW instruction for many states. Their training is no cutting edge.
I would look for a instructor who has several years of competition in shooting games involving movement.
They will know what techniques work and why.
That way you don't get started with dumb reloading or weapon malfunction clearing movements. What you learn first is hard to unlearn later.

 

[therewolf]

I' have to say the Certificate received at the end of the course would have
a lot to do with the course's dollar value to me.

I paid 60$ for a NRA Home Safety Course to get my CWP where I live.
Well worth it, IMO.

Taught by the range owner, but not a nationally famous person by far.

I would say if you get a course hosted by Chuck Norris, for example,(maybe not the best one) I think I would be willing to pay a higher price if the Certificate reads
"Personally Hosted by Chuck Norris" and it was signed and dated by that individual.

 

[A.H. Fox]

Chuck uses a gun...but Chuck don't need no gun.

 

[therewolf]

Yeah, OK, Chuck was definitely a bad example.

 

[A.H. Fox]

...sorry...

 

[sidheshooter]

http://www.tinyurl.com/c6u3z7

 

[167]

So the concensus seems to be about $100 for your typical local firearms instructor offering an 8 hour course.

Now how much does price figure into the decision to take a course or not? If the same instructor offered the course for $75 how much more likely would you be take it as opposed to the regular cost of $100.

 

[RandomPerson]

Cost without location is impossible to price. Where I used to live, $30/hr is a good job. Where I live now, if you are a teenager bagging groceries at a supermarket and make under $12/hr you're broke.

 

[therewolf]

IMO,I think two things which bear directly on price are what these courses are going to help get you certified for, and whether you get a certification, or at least a certificate for, the course.

For a course which is going to lead to a hike in pay, a CWP, or a higher paying job, for example, the course could cost considerably more, and I'd pay it.

FWIW,I'd only pay more for, say, Paul Howe, for example, to instruct the course if he actually signed and dated the course certificate himself.

 

[9mmepiphany]

My experience has been that the normal price range for
1. a top name instructor is usually about $200/day for a 2-3 day class with 12-15 students
2. local class, same size, $90/day for a 2 day class
3. smaller local classes will cost more per student with $100-$150 for classes of 8-4 people.
4. local 1:1 instruction usually runs $50-$75/hour...the standard used to be $100/hour, but there has been an adjustment for the economy